1. Romans Conquer Judea
6 A.D. -Rome conquers Judea (Isreal)- home of Jewish people
Judea was a territory of the old kingdom of Israel
After Israel fell to different kingdoms and empires, the Jews/Hebrews grew tired of being ruled by foreigners
Jews believed a Messiah - a savior – would free them

2. Jesus of Nazareth One God Love for friends /enemies
Jesus (6 B.C.) — Jew born in Bethlehem
His parents fled to Egypt to escape King Herod – ordered Hebrew male babies to be put to death (prophecy)
He was baptized by a prophet named John the Baptist in the Jordan River
Jesus’ Teachings:
One God
Love for friends /enemies
Repent for sins/eternal kingdom of God

4. A Growing Movement Apostles— The twelve men who are Disciples of Jesus
At age 30, Jesus started a public ministry
Preached/did good works/ performed miracles
He especially wanted people to repent before the coming of the Lord – he would end wickedness in the world
Apostles— The twelve men who are Disciples of Jesus
Jesus ignored wealth and status - his message appeals to poor
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God” (Matthew 5:3)

5. Jesus’ Trial Jesus is arrested for his teachings
Many Jews view Jesus as the Messiah - others see him as a heretic
The Romans grew concerned when Jesus came to Jerusalem and was greeted as “Messiah!”
The Messiah would be the one to rescue the Jews and rule the eternal kingdom of God on earth
Romans were worried that Jesus would try to make the Jews rise against Roman authority
Jewish leaders were worried they would lose their power to Jesus’ popularity
Jesus is arrested for his teachings
Jesus undergoes several trials – none could find evidence of sin
Jesus’ Trial

6. Tetelestai – “It is Finished” (John 19:28/19:30)
Governor Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to be crucified
Crucifixion – Being nailed to a large wooden cross
Jesus was buried, rose on the third day
The gospels state Jesus ascended into heaven after death
Before going to heaven, Jesus went to Sheol, a part of Hell separate from torment, to free the dead from the Old Testament
Jesus’ Death
Tetelestai – “It is Finished” (John 19:28/19:30)

7. Mount Calvary / Golgotha – “The Place of the Skull”

8. Paul’s Mission Apostle Paul— Preaches Christianity
Apostles believe Jesus ascended into heaven after death
Apostles spread Jesus’ teachings – take on a different spiritual identity from Judaism
Open to all converts – people didn’t have to become Jewish to be a follower of Christ because everybody’s sin was paid for by Christ
Apostle Paul— Preaches Christianity
Jesus – the Son of God
He died for people’s sins
Eternal Life after death

9. Persecution of Christians
People who become Christians refuse to worship the Roman gods or emperor
Makes them enemies of Roman rule
Roman rulers use Christians as scapegoats for hard times
Christians are crucified, burned, killed in arena
They were called martyrs – people who are willing to die for their beliefs

10. Christianity’s Expansion
Christianity has widespread appeal:
Gives hope to the powerless
Offers personal relationship with a loving God
Promises eternal life after death

11. Christianity Is Accepted
A.D. 312 – Constantine becomes Roman emperor
Before battle he had dream - Has vision of the cross - Christian symbol – had soldiers place crosses on their shields
Believes Christian God helped him win a war - legalized Christianity
A.D. 380 – Christianity becomes religion of Empire
Emperor Constantine

12. A World Religion – A Single Voice
New Testament – Collection of Christian beliefs written by apostles
New Testament added to Old Testament = Bible!!!
Both make up the Bible Christians use today
Apostles worked to spread the Word of Christ throughout the Roman Empire when it was legalized
Beginning of Rome/Italy’s relationship with Christianity (Catholicism)